Snakes

Some types are venomous, including:

• rattlesnakes
• copperheads
• cottonmouths
• coral snakes.

Most species of venomous snakes are pit vipers, which can navigate their environment and hunt using infrared-sensing receptors that allow them to detect the heat of their prey.

Venomous and non-venomous snakes have differing characteristics, which makes them easy to distinguish.

Venomous Snake Appearance

Triangle-shaped heads
All venomous vipers have triangle-shaped heads and pits between their eyes and nostrils containing infrared-sensing organs. Most venomous species also have elliptical-shaped pupils as opposed to the round pupils found in other snakes. Western rattlesnakes are easy to identify due to the distinctive rattle at the end of their tail, which they shake when threatened to warn of their presence.

The majority of snakes found in the United States are not dangerous and are in fact quite beneficial, such as the common eastern garter snake, which preys upon small rodents like mice and rats.

Non Venomous Snake Appearance

Narrow heads
Eastern garter snakes are non-venomous and therefore have narrow heads and lack the extra sensory receptors of pit vipers. They are typically black in color with three bright yellow stripes running the length of their bodies. Some snakes may grow several feet in length, while others can be quite small, never reaching more than a few inches.

• Snake Life Cycle
• Baby Snakes

Usually dark areas
Almost all snakes adapt to suit specific habitats, and most have certain requirements that dictate where they prefer to live. Most species live in dark, damp areas with plenty of cover, such as in wood piles, un-mowed lawns with tall grass, beneath overgrown shrubbery, near pond banks, within heavily mulched flower beds, or even in unkempt basements.

Other animals dens
Snakes will also occasionally occupy the abandoned burrows of other small animals. Some types of snakes live among trees or in the ocean. As carnivorous predators, snakes prefer to live near places with abundant rodent or insect populations.

More info about what snakes like to eat.

Snakes also bask in the sunlight on warm days, since, as cold-blooded animals, they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

Are snakes known to enter homes or yards?
Snakes enter homes and yards in search of food or sheltered places to hibernate for the winter. Areas that attract rodents, such as houses, barns, commercial food processing centers, and gardens, also attract snakes. Dark, damp places in yards such as piles of lumber, discarded tires, and loose rocks all make suitable hiding places for snakes, who retreat to safety to digest after catching a promising meal.

• Snakes in attics
• Snakes in basement
• Snakes in bathrooms
• Snakes in pools
• Snakes in sheds
• Snakes in kitchens

Do snakes harm people or property?
Generally, the most harm snakes ever do is frighten people. Snakes may bite if cornered or grabbed, though only the bites of venomous snakes are dangerous. The reptiles do not attack humans, and non-venomous bites do little more than produce a painful puncture wound.

The bites of venomous snakes, however, can be lethal if not treated immediately. Vipers strike out quickly at people who come too close and startle them or attempt to grab and handle them, injecting venom through needle-like fangs that causes immediate swelling and pain. Despite the unpleasant side effects, lethal snake bites are one of the least common causes of death in the United States. Snakes do not cause damage to property.

The best way to control snake populations is to remove potential sources of food and shelter. Clearing yards of refuse piles and frequently mowing grass helps discourage snakes from making their homes in residential lawns. Sealing up cracks and gaps along exterior walls with fine mesh or caulk also proves effective.

To eliminate potential food sources, take steps to control rodent and insect populations, such as maintaining clean living spaces and storing food in rodent-proof containers. In areas with high native snake populations, snake-proof fences may be erected to keep the slithery pests away from children in play areas, though enclosing entire yards with snake-proof fencing often proves prohibitively expensive.

After snake removal from the yard or house, homeowners will want to do all they can to prevent more of these pests from getting inside. Snake exclusion may include anything from replacing window screens and filling in cracks to closing off gaps under porches. A wildlife control expert can suggest custom solutions to fit any property.

In most states, non-venomous snakes are protected from indiscriminate killing. Contact the experienced wildlife professionals at Critter Control to take care of dangerous or problematic snakes, and never handle the heads of freshly killed venomous snakes, as they may still be able to inject venom through a bite reflex which lingers for a short period of time.

It’s snake season again and our offices are busy removing snakes from homes, outbuildings and yards. There’s simply no place these amazing slithering creatures can’t get to. If you’re having problems with snakes, please call 1-800-CRITTER and a Critter Control Specialist can help you.